Small intestine blockage - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

Sara518 · 02-12-2009, 11:24 AM

Im posting this because it may happen to you.

In Dec 2008 I was diagnosed with Diabetic Gatroparesis. The pain was unbearable. The decision was made to still go ahead with the Gastric Bypass because it probably would help.

On Jan 15th I had the Gastric Bypass. It helped the GP but 2 weeks later I started to have the same symptoms again. Even after just trying to drink water I would get a horrible stomach ache and the pain would take me to the ER. I was there about 10 times since surgery with this pain. Last Thursday I went back to the ER in pain. They said we are only going to treat your symptoms not the issue you need to go to the hospital where you had your surgery. WHAT?? Why they didnt tell me this the last 9 times is beyond me. I had been in contact with my surgeons office but don't you know he was on vacation. I didn't really care who was going to fix this as long as someone did. OK so I go to the hospital that did the surgery and they had me in emergency surgery the next day.

The problem is where they connect the small intestines back together during surgery had grown together and created a blockage so even water was not going through I was just dry heaving everything up.

This is horrible pain you do not want.

They said it is "rare" that this happens but tell me why my hospital room mate....and the girl in the very next room had the same exact problem with the same surgeon with the same procedure?? We all had our surgeries within 5 days of the other and now the man is on vacation?

Anyways I am not in that pain anymore and hopefully this fixed it so I can move forward in this journey.

MiladyB · 02-12-2009, 11:40 AM

Actually what you describe sounds very much like a stricture, which is a fairly common complication after RNY. Usually it doesn't give you the pain though just the inability to tolerate much of anything.

A stricture is when your body basicly over heals itself at the new connection site. Over time that opening can close off due to the scar tissue that is building up. The opening gets smaller and smaller unless a scope is done and that opening is re-stretched open.

Signs of a possible stricture are nausea &/or vomiting and increased intolerance to solid foods then progressing to intolerance of fluids.

Glad they figured out what was going on with you. When you are having problems after surgery it really is always best to go back to the hospital where you had the surgery, if possible.

Sara518 · 02-12-2009, 12:15 PM

Yes I know. The only reason I went to a different hospital is bc where I had surgery is about 40 miles from me and when I was in pain all I thought of was getting help quick.